Christian Life is a Cross
In fact, Christian life is practically a journey to Golgotha; and Christianity without a cross is really not Christianity.
Those who have received their good things on earth, will have no share in the Kingdom, as the story of the rich man and Lazarus explains to us (Luke 16:25). We say that, as regards individuals, just as we say it as regards groups and churches also. For Christianity is a participation in the sufferings of Christ, as the Apostle St. Paul said:
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Philippians 3:10).
He also said about this participation in the sufferings:
“I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galations 2:20).
So that if you want to live with Christ, you must be crucified with Christ, or you must be crucified for Him, and suffer for Him, even if that would lead to die for Him also.
